Victoza is an injectable prescription medication that lowers glucose (sugar) levels in adults afflicted with type 2 diabetes. The medication, when taken accordingly and combined with proper diet, can restore blood sugar to normal level quickly. The drug is classified as belonging to the GLP-1 analogs. When you purchase the medicine it will be in a pre-filled injection pen and your doctor will tell you what needle is to be used.
There are different parts in your body where you can inject the drug, but do so only if you know the procedure. The injection is usually done once a day, although your doctor may increase the dosage depending on your condition. You can use the medication any time of the day on an empty or full stomach.
Victoza Cost Information
A carton of the medicine, which comes with three pens, (18mg/3ml) costs $524.02 in Walmart and Sam’s Club, but the price may vary in other stores.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $354.33 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $702.40 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $528.36 |
Kmart |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $354.83 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $717.78 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $528.86 |
Kroger |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $355.58 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $717.78 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $529.61 |
Publix |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $354.88 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $702.95 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $528.91 |
Rite Aid |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $362.27 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $716.91 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $540.40 |
Target |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $356.96 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $710.44 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $531.82 |
Walgreens |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $362.27 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $716.97 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $527.99 |
Walmart |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $351.01 |
| 2 pens of 18mg/3ml | 2 cartons | $700.02 |
| 3 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $524.02 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Some of the more common short term side effects are dizziness, headache, constipation and cold symptoms like sore throat, sinus, stuffy nose and watery eyes. Some patients have also reported short term symptoms like redness of the skin or a mild skin rash where the medication was injected. Vomiting, back ache and feeling tired or fatigue has also been cited although they are temporary.
Long-Term Side Effects
There are some long term and serious side effects reported such as a lump or swelling in the throat, difficulty breathing and trouble swallowing. Other potential long term side effects are hoarse voice and developing pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis include rapid heart rate, vomiting with nausea, fast heartbeat and pain in your stomach that spreads to other parts of your body. Other signs that could lead to long term health issues are indications of infection like nose bleeding, mouth sores, bruising, chills and fever. These are all serious so if you experience any of them stop using the medication and call your doctor.
Interactions
Victoza is known to interact with several drugs, but the following have been known to cause some problems.
- Lantus Solostar (insulin glargine)
- Bexarotene
- Gatifloxacin
- Levothyroxine
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Furosemide
- Glimepiride
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Lantus (insulin glargine)
How It Works
The medication works by providing your body with the GLP-1 hormone necessary to lower blood sugar levels. If your body doesn’t generate enough GLP-1 or it isn’t processed correctly, your system won’t get the insulin necessary to assist sugar make the transition from your blood to the cells.
GLP-1 is usually produced by your intestine as you consume food, keeping your blood sugar level stable. Many people afflicted with type 2 diabetes have a lower GLP-1 level so they don’t generate enough insulin. The purpose of Victoza is to amplify the production of this hormone and provide sufficient amounts of insulin in your blood so your blood sugar is restored to the normal level.
Generic Alternatives
The drug is available under the generic name liraglutide.
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